Maria Escandalosa's progressive brushes are professional hair straightening systems designed to reduce volume, eliminate frizz, and provide a smooth effect. These treatments typically come in a two-step kit, including a Deep Cleansing Shampoo (Step 1) and a Volume Reducer or Thermal Sealing treatment (Step 2). Many of their modern formulations are formaldehyde-free (often labeled "Zero Formol" or "Organic") and utilize a blend of active ingredients such as Hydrolyzed Keratin, Argan Oil, Macadamia Oil, Ojon Oil, and D-Pantenol, which work to realign hair fibers, reconstruct damaged areas, and provide intense shine and softness. The specific "type" (e.g., "Coffee," "Organic") often refers to a key ingredient or a particular technological approach within the formula.
Effects:
Long-Lasting Straightening: Provides a powerful and durable straightening effect, significantly reducing curls and waves for a sleek look.
Total Frizz Elimination: Completely eliminates frizz, leaving hair incredibly disciplined and smooth.
Volume Reduction: Effectively controls and reduces excessive hair volume.
Intense Shine and Softness: Imparts a high-gloss, radiant shine and an exceptional silky softness to the hair.
Hair Reconstruction and Nourishment: Ingredients like keratin and various oils deeply penetrate to rebuild and nourish damaged hair, improving its overall health and resilience.
Formaldehyde-Free Options: Many lines offer safer alternatives without the strong fumes associated with formaldehyde, promoting a more comfortable application experience.
Mode of Use (General for most Progressive Brushes):
Step 1: Deep Cleansing: Wash hair thoroughly 2-3 times with the Deep Cleansing Shampoo (Step 1) to remove all residues and open hair cuticles. On the last wash, let it sit for a few minutes (e.g., 5-10 minutes) before rinsing completely. Dry hair 80-100% with a hairdryer.
Step 2: Treatment Application: Divide hair into thin sections. Apply the Volume Reducer/Thermal Sealing (Step 2) evenly to each section, keeping 0.5 to 1 cm away from the scalp. Distribute with a fine-tooth comb.
Processing Time: Let the product act for the time specified in the instructions (typically 20 to 60 minutes), depending on hair type and desired intensity.
Rinse (Partial or Full): This is a critical step that varies. Some formaldehyde-free formulas require a partial rinse (e.g., 50-80% removal), while others may require a full rinse or no rinse before drying. Always check the specific product's instructions.
Blow Dry and Flat Iron: Blow-dry the hair completely straight. Then, flat iron thin sections of hair 10-20 times each, at a temperature appropriate for the hair type (e.g., lower for blonde/damaged, higher for resistant). This seals the product and activates the straightening.
Final Rinse (Optional): After hair cools, some treatments recommend a final rinse and conditioning.
Maria Escandalosa Hair Botox (Btox Capilar / D-Tox / M-Tox)
Description:
Maria Escandalosa's Hair Botox masks are intensive conditioning treatments that aim to deeply hydrate, reconstruct, reduce frizz, and control volume without a full straightening effect. They are typically formaldehyde-free and contain a rich blend of nourishing ingredients such as Ojon Oil, Keratin, Macadamia Oil, Argan Oil, and often D-Pantenol or specific extracts like Okra (Quiabo). These masks work to repair damaged areas, replenish lost nutrients, and promote intense shine and softness, resulting in more disciplined and healthier-looking hair. They are available in various formulations (e.g., "White" for all hair types, "Violet" for blonde/toned hair).
Effects:
Volume Reduction: Effectively reduces excessive hair volume, providing a more controlled and disciplined look.
Intense Frizz Control: Significantly minimizes and eliminates frizz.
Deep Hydration and Nourishment: Provides profound moisture and essential nutrients to the hair fiber, restoring vitality.
Hair Reconstruction: Helps to reconstruct damaged and fragile hair, improving its strength and elasticity.
Radiant Shine: Imparts a high level of shine and luminosity to dull hair.
Softness and Manageability: Leaves hair feeling incredibly soft, silky, and much easier to detangle and style.
Formaldehyde-Free: Offers a safer and gentler alternative for hair discipline.
Mode of Use (General for Hair Botox Masks):
Hair Preparation: Wash hair with a deep cleansing or regular shampoo. Rinse thoroughly and remove excess water with a towel, leaving hair damp.
Product Application: Divide hair into sections. Apply a generous amount of the Hair Botox mask evenly to each section, from mid-lengths to ends. Distribute well with a comb.
Processing Time: Let the mask act for the time specified in the instructions, usually 20 to 40 minutes, depending on hair type and desired intensity. For toning (Violet Btox), monitor closely to avoid over-toning.
Rinse: Rinse hair thoroughly with water until all product is removed.
Blow Dry and Flat Iron (Optional for enhanced results): For increased volume reduction and frizz control, blow-dry hair completely. Then, flat iron thin sections 5-10 times at a moderate temperature (e.g., 180°C - 200°C / 350°F - 392°F). This step helps to seal the cuticles and prolong the effect.
Finalization: Style as desired.
Important General Precautions for Maria Escandalosa Products:
Professional Use: Many Maria Escandalosa products, especially progressive treatments, are intended for professional use only.
Patch and Strand Test: Always perform a patch test (skin sensitivity) and a strand test (on a small, hidden section of hair) before full application to check for allergies, compatibility with other chemicals, and desired results.
Ventilation: Ensure the application area is well-ventilated, even with formaldehyde-free products.
Not Recommended For: Use in pregnant or breastfeeding women and children is generally not recommended. Avoid use on irritated or injured scalps.
Aftercare: For prolonged results, use sulfate-free and paraben-free hair care products for maintenance.